Pneumatic pressing machine



Oct- 29, 1929 J. E. PERRAULT 5:1' AL 1,733,692

PNEUMATIC PRESSING MACHINE Filed May 29, 192e 8 sneets-sneet 1 ct. 29,i929,

J. E. PERRAULT ET AL PNEUMATIG PRES S ING MACHINE Filed May 29, 1928 8Sheets-Sheet l Mse/0 Lou/9' 5 J Solv/zweden Oct. 29, 1929. J. E.PERRAULT ET'AL PNEUMATICI PRESSING MACHINE Filed May 29. 1928 8Sheetsheet @Ch 29, w29: J. E. PERRAULT ET AL 2733592 PNEUMTIC PRSSINGMACHINE Filed May 29, 1928 8 Shee'tS-Sheec 5 Oct. 29, 1929. J. E.PERRAULT n AL 1,733,692 y PNEUMATIC PRESSING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 6Filed May 29, 1928 (III/l Oct; 2.95 1929.

J. E. PERRAULT ET AL PNEUMATI C PRESS ING MACHINE Filed May 29, 1928 8Sheets-Sheet 8 Z771/ @row/".5 0050/9/ Li', Perra/Mi'. Loa/6. u.' .5G77Woede?? Patented ct.. 29, 1929 JOSEPH E. .'PJEJBURAULT AND LUS SCHREDER,OF WATEBTWN, MASSACHUSETTS,

ASSIGNORS T HOOD RUBBER COMPANY EMTEON @F MASSACHUSETTS PNEEUEEATIC.PBESSXNG MCHINE Application :filed May 29,

rllhis invention relates to a machine for pressing shoes, particularlythose constructed of rubber compound, or rubber' compound and fabric.

ln constructing shoes such, for example, as rubbers, overshoes, gaitersand the like it has been customary in assembling the various parts ofwhich the shoe is built for the operator to roll each part individuallyWith a hand tool as the parts are attached to each other in order thatall of the various layers of material entering into the construction ofthe shoe Will adhere firmly together. As there are quite a number ofparts employed in constructing shoes of this character, considerabletime'is consumed in rolling the parts together,- and as considerablepressure is required, the work is very arduous especially When it isperformed by Women operatives.

An improved method of construction noW contemplates assembling all ofthe various parts of the shoe with no more pressure than is required tohold each part in place temporarily and then pressing all of the partstogether simultaneously by means of a mechanically operated pressingmachine.

rl`he object of this invention is to provide a machine in which thepressing operation hereinbefore mentioned may be performed in a rapidand etticient manner, the pressing in strumentalities being soconstructed that shoes of different sizes and styles may be operatedupon Without it being necessary to make adjustments of any kind orchange the form of the pressing members.

Another object of the invention is to provide a pressing machine whichis operated and controlled entirely by a pressure fluid, preferablycompressed air, the machine being started automatically when the lastholder is moved to position the shoe Within the lower pressing unit andWhen the latter is located in an open position, and finally beingstopped automatically after the pressing operation when the lowerpressing unitis again returned to its normal, or open position, at whichtime it is necessary to raise the last holder manually before thepressed shoe is removed and another shoe inserted.

The invention consists in a machine for 1928. Serial No. 281,467.

pressing shoes or other articles of a similar character which areconstructed of layers of sheet material which adhere together; as setforth in the following specification and particularly as pointed out inthe claims thereof.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure l is a sectional side elevation of a shoe pressing machineembodying our invention, the machine being located in its normal or openposition and portions thereof being broken away to save space in thedrawings.

Fig. 2 is a View similar to Fig. l but illustrating the machine in itsclosed position.

F ig. 3 is a front elevation of the machine.

Fig. el is an enlarged plan view of the lower pressing unit togetherwith a last holder and shoetthe latter being positioned ready forpressing.

Fig. 5 is a transverse section through the upper and lower pressingunits, both of which are located in their closed positions with a shoetherebetween, the section being taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. ll.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged side elevation of a portion of the mechanism whichis located upon the leftl hand side of the machine, said mechanism beingviewed from the left hand side of Fig. 3.

Fig. 7 is a central vertical section taken on the line 7 7 of Fig. 6looking in the direction of the arrows on said line.

Fig. 8 is a detail sectional elevation taken on the line 8 8 of Fig. 6looking in the direction of the arrows on said line.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged horizontal section taken on the line 9 9 of Fig.6.

Fig. 10 is an enlarged horizontal section taken on the line lO-l() ofFig. 6.

Fig. 1l is an enlarged sectional elevation taken on the line 11-11 ofFig. 4, the last holder being illustrated in its normal position readyto receive a last and shoe.

Fig. 12 is a detail section taken approximately on the line 12-12 ofFig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a detail section 'taken approi'ilmately on the line 13-13 ofFig. 11.

Fig. 14 is an enlarged central vertical section taken on the linell-H'of Fig. 3.

Fig. l5 is an enlarged end elevation of the control valves viewing thesame from the .Y right hand side orp Fig. 2.

Fig. 16 is a detail sectional elevation taken on the line 16-16 of Fig.l15.

Fig. 17 is a detail sectional elevation taken on the line 17-17 of Fig.15.

Fig. 18 is an enlarged detail section taken on the line 18-18 ot Fig. 2.

Fig. 19 is a diagrammatic View illustrating theppipe connections to thevarious valves and iluid operated mechanisms.

Like numerals referto like parts throughout the several views of thedrawings.

ln the drawings, 20 represents a main stationary :trame embodyingtherein a base 21, side portions 22 and a top portion 23, all of whichareconstructed of structural iron and are bolted or otherwise securedfirmly together in any suitable manner.

A rocker 'frame 24 is pivotally attached at 25 to a bracket 26 which, inturn, is mounted upon' the base portion 21 of the `frame 20. rlherockerirame 24 embodies therein a pair of rocker members 27, in each ofwhich is mounted a pair ont cylindrical bars 28. Bearing members 29 arerigidly fastened to the bars 23, all of said bars extending through eachbearing member and being rigidly secured thereto.

Rigidly secured to the under side of the top portion 23 or the mainstationary frame 20 is an upper pressing unit 30, and slidably mountedupon the rocker frame 24 in a position to co-operate with the upperpressing unit 30 to i1orm. a .pressure chamber is a lower pressing unit31. 'lhe upper pressing unit 30 embodies therein a casing section 32having an open under side around the edge oit which extends a flange 33.A flexible pressing member 34 of expandible material extends looselyacross the open side of the casing section 32 and is secured to theunder surface of the iian'ge 33 by a clamping member 35. lThe pressingmember 34 entirely closes the under side of the casing section 32 andco-operates therewith to form a fluid compartment 36 within the casingsection.

The lower pressing unit 31 embodies therein a casing section 37 havingan open upper side around the edge of which extends a flange 38. Atlexible pressing member 39 of expandible material extends looselyacross the open side of the casing section 37 and is secured to theupper surface of the Hange 38 by a clamping member 40. The pressingmember'39 entirely closes the upper side of the casing section 37 andco-operates therewith to form a luid compartment 41within the casingsection. y

' rThe casing section 37 is mounted upon a support 42 in which a Vpairof cylindrical guide members 43 are rigidly secured and said guidemembers project downwardly through.

both of. the bearing members 29 and are slidably mounted therein. Tiemembers 44 are meegaan rigidly secured to both of the guide members 43and act to hold the intermediate and lower portions of said guidemembers properly spaced. 'lhe actual weight of the lower pressing unit31 is carried by toggle links 45 and 46, the adjacent ends of which arepivotally connected together at 47. The upper end of the link 45 ispivotally attached at 48 to the support 42 and the lower end of the link45 is pivotally attached to the pivot member 25 of the rocker frame 24.

The lower pressing unit 31 is moved from its normal or open positionillustrated in Fig. 1 to its closed position illustrated in Fig. 2 byfluid pressure means operating through a piston rod 49 and piston 50,the latter being located within a pressure cylinder 51. rlhe piston rod49 is attached to the pivot 47 for the toggle members 45 and 46. Thecylinder 51 is pivoted at 52 between a pair of brackets 53 which aremounted upon the side members 22 of the main stationary :trame 20. Whenthe piston is actuated within the cylinder 51 in a manner hereinafter tobe more fully explained, the lower pressing unit 31 will be rocked fromthe position illustrated in Fig. 1 to the vertical position illust-ratedin Fig. 2 and during this rocking movement, the toggle members 45 and 46will be prevented `from functioning to lift said pressing unit onaccount oic the weight or" the latter and by means ot a pair of guideplates 54 which are fastened to the inner sides ot the side members 22ot the 'stationary frame 20, the upper edge of guide portions 55 of thesupport 42 engaging the under edges of the guide.

plates 54 and thereby preventing the toggle links from moving intoalignment with each other. When, however, the guide portions 55 of thesupport 42 are moved into alignment with guideways 56 provided upon theguide' plates 54, the toggle links 45 and 46 are permitted to functionand thelower pressingv unit 31 will then be lifted into engagement withthe upper pressing unit 30 and will assume the position illustrated inFig. 2. llVhen the casing sections 32 and 37 are closed, a pressurechamber is formed upon their interior.

Ashoe S formed of a plurality of sections of fabric and rubber compoundadhering loosely together is located upon a last 57, in turn mountedupon a last holder 58, see Figs. 4, 5 and 11. The last holder 58 isrigidly secured to a shaft 59 mounted to rock in a bracket 60 fastenedto the front of the lower casing section 37. rlhe last holder is held inits vnormal or open position by means of a coil spring 61, one end ofwhich engages the bracket 60 and the other end of which engages a sleeve62 fastened to the shaft 59 in a man- .ner to rock said shaft into aposition where maaeea 3 icient pressure provided by the spring 61 tohold the last holder With the last and shoe thereon in their openpositions, there is not, however, sutlicient strength to said spring tocause the last holder to be moved automatially from its closed positionto its open position when the lower pressing unit is moved to its openposition, and it is necessary for the operator of `the machine tomanually raise the last holder from its closed to its open position.rlhe tension of the spring 61, hovvever, nearly counterbalances' thecombined Weights of the last holder, last and shoe and practically noexertion is required to move said parts to their open position.

Vent passages l are provided in the last holder 58, thereby enabling airWhich may be trapped between the upper and lower press- Cil ing members34e and 39 to escape when pressure is applied to the opposite sides otthe pressing members during the pressing` operation.

The pressure tluid7 preferably compressed air, 'which is utilized tooperate the various valves and mechanisms otl this machine, is deliveredthereto through a main supply pipe which is connected with a pressurereducing valve 66, see Figs. 3 and 19. rl'he pressure Within the mainsupply pipe may be any amount above pounds and the pressure reducingvalve 66 is provided tor the purpose of supplying the pressure tluid tocertain of the mechanisms at approximately T5 pounds and is7 therefore,set at this amount.

From the pipe 65 a branch pipe 67 leads to another pressure reducingvalve 68 which is set at approximately l5 pounds pressure. Acondensation receptacle 69 having a drainage valve i0 is provided torthe main pressure supply pipe 65. rll`he pressure reducing valve (Sli isconnected by means of a flexible tube 'il with a valve mechanism A Whichis operated in a manner hereinafter to be described, by the rotation ofthe shaft 59, see Figs. 11, 12 and 153. A manually operated valve 72controls the passage ot pressure iuid through the tube 7l. pipe 73 leads'from the reducing valve 68 to a valve mechanism l which is operated ina manner hereinafter to be described by the rotation of a shaft 171, seeFig. 1G.

'the valve mechanisms A and B together with 'other valve mechanisms Cand D which are operated in unison by the rotation of a shaft T5, seeFig. 9, are all constructed in a similar manner and a description of thevalve d will apply equally well to all of the others, the same referencecharacters being used in connection with corresponding parts of each ofsaid valve mechanisms. Each valve mech anism embodies'therein a ballcheck valve a. see Fig. 12 and a ball check valve l), see Fig. 13. Thecheck valves a and o are controlled by means of cams c and (Zrespectively Which are rigidly fastened to the control shaft tor saidvalve which, in the instance of the valve mechanism A, is the shaft 59.rlhe cams c and d each operate a bell crank lever e by engaging a camroll f which is rotatably mounted thereon and rocking said bell cranklever upon a pivot g. The bell crank lever c controls the movement of apin h, either holding said pin against the ball and holding it closed,or releasing said ball and allowing the latter to open from the pressuretherebeneath. A spring z' engages the bell crank lever e in a manner tonormally hold-the check valves a and closed as illustrated in Fig. 13,whereas when the cams c and d engage the rolls f the valves a and b willbe open as illustrated in Fig. 12. Exhaust ports j are provided for eachof the valve mechanisms A, l5, C and l) and communicate in each ot' saidvalves `with the check valve l5 thereof.

A pipe 76 leads from the valve A Where it communicates with the checkvalve a to a locking mechanism L hereinafter to be described, and abranch pipe 7? leads from the pipe 76 and communicates with the checkvalve b ot' the valve A. i portion of the pipe 76 is flexible to permitit to swing as the lovver pressing unit 31 opens and closes. Anotherpipe 78 leads :trom the locking mechanism L to a control valve mechanismhereinaiter to be described, a portion of said pipe being constructed offlexible tubing. .llt branch pipe 'i9 leads from the pipe 76 to thevalve C where it communicates with the checlr valve a. Another pipe 8()leads from the valve C Where it communicates with the check valve a 'tothe front end of the pressure cylinder 51 with vvliich it communicatesthrough a needle valve 81. A portion of the pipe 80 is preferably eonstructed ot flexible tubing. A branch pipe 82 connects the pipe 8O withthe valve C Where it communicates with the check valve A branch pipe 83leads from the pipe *I8 to the valve D where it communicates with thecheck valve a. Another pipe 8d leads from the valve D Where itcommunicates with the checlr valve a to the rear end of the pressurecylinder 51. with which it communicates through a needle valve '85. Abranch pipe 86 leads from the pipe 8d to the valve ll) Where itcommunicates vvith the checlr valve b.

pipe 87 leads from the valve li where it communicates with the valve ato a T 88 from which a branch connection 89 preferably constructed offlexible tubing' leads to the fluid compartment l1 of the lower pressingunit 31. Another branch pipe 90 leads from the l 88 to the fluidcompartment 36 of the upper pressing unit 80 A pressure gauge 91. comniunicates with the pipe 90 and is provided tor the purpose otregistering the pressure within the fluid compartments 36 and lll.. Abranch pipe 92 leads from the pipe 8? to the valve l where itcommunicates with the check valve I).

The control mechanism M., see Figs. 15, 16 and 17, is located within acasing 93 which is cam portions 95 and 96 are slotted at 97 and 98respectively, the slots of each cam portion being located opposite eachother and the slots of the cam portion 95 being located 90 around theperiphery thereof from the slots of the cam portion 96. A spring 99surrounds the rod 94, one end of said spring engaging the back edge 100of the cam portion 96 and the other end of said spring engaging an innersurface of the casing 93, and said spring normally acts to force the rod94 toward the left in Figs. 16 and 17, and hold an edge 101 of the cam95 against the interior of the casing 93 at such times as the rod 94 isnot engaged by the extremity oi the piston 50. Splines 102 areprovidedior the rod 94 to prevent the same from rotating within thecasing 93.

Mounted `Within the casing 93 and posi-- the levers 107 a roller 109 isrotatably mounted in a position to be engaged by both of the cams 95 and96. 'llhe outer end of each of the levers 107 engages a pin 110 which inturn contacts with a spherical member of the check valve and holds thelatter in its closed position. A spring 111 is provided for each of thelevers 107 and acts to hold vthe roller 109 in engagement with the cams95 and 96.

A pipe 112 leads from the casing 93 Where it communicates with the checkvalve 103 to a T 113 from which a branch pipe-114 leads to the lower endot a timing valve cylinder T, see liig. 6. Another branch pipe 115 leadsfrom the T 113 to the casing 93 where it communicates with the checkvalve 106. An exhaust port 116 leads from the check valve 103 to theatmosphere. A T 117 is provided for the pipe 78 and a branch pipe 118leads from the T 117 to the casing 93 where it communicates with thecheck valve 105. Another pipe 119 leads from the casing 93 Where itcommunicates with the check valve 105 to a T 120 from which a pipe 121leads to the upper end of the timing valve cylinder T, see Fig. 6. Abranch pipe 122 leads from the, T 120 to the casing 93 where itcommunicates with the check valve 104. An exhaust port 123 leads fromthe check valve 104 to the atmosphere.

The timing mechanism T embodies therein a cylinder 124 in which a doubleaction piston 125 is slidably mounted, see Fig. 7. The cylinder'124 isfastened to one of the i'yeaeea side members 22 of the trame 20. Apiston rod 126 extends from the lower side of the piston 125 through apacking gland 127 to a lost motion member 128 illustrated in detail inFig. 14. This member is illustrated in elevation in F ig. 3 but has beeneliminated in Figs. 6 and 7 to save space in the drawings. A collar 129is rigidly fastened to the lower extremity of the piston rod 126, saidcollar being located within a chamber 130 'of the member 123. A sleeve131 is adjustably secured within the member 123 and is locked thereto bymeans oib2 a lock nut 132. A rod- 133 is rigidly :fastened to the sleeve131 and connects with a piston 134 which is embodied in a retardingmechanism-lt, see Figs. 6 and 7. j

'lhe piston 134 is mounted within a cylinder 135 which is filled with aduid, preterably oii,'and a packing gland 136 is located at the top oi:the cylinder 135 where the piston rod 133 enters said cylinder. 'Locatedwithin the piston 134 is a check valve 137, and a plurality of oil ducts138 connect the check valve 137 with the exterior oi the piston rodabove the piston. Mounted upon the cylinder 135 and communicating withthe interior thereof adjacent to the top thereoiiis a needle valve I139,and a pipe 140 connects said needle valve with the lower extremity otthe cylinder 135 at a point below the Ylowermost position or the piston134.

, 'A by-pass valve 141 is mounted upon the cylinder casing 135 adjacentto the upper end of said casing and a spherical valve member 142 of saidby-pass valve projects a short distance through the inner extremity oisaid valve into the interior of the cylinder 135. A spring pin 143engages the spherical valve member 142 and acts to normally hold saidvalve closed. A ley-pass pipe 144 leads from the valve 141 to the pipe140. Formed integral with thepiston rod 133 at a point adjacent to thelower extremity thereof is a bevelled shouldered portion 145 and saidshouldered portion is so positioned that during the upward movement ofthe piston 134 it will Contact with the portion of the periphery of thespherical valve member 142 which projects into the interior of thecylin-` der 135 and will open the by-pass valve 141 a sufficient amountto allow a portion of the oil located Within the cylinder 135 to passthrough the valve 141 and pipe 144 into the pipe 140 without passingthrough the needle valve 139. This permits thefpiston 134 to move fasterduring the latter part of its spring actuated push pin 149. A guidemember 150 is provided for the purpose of holding the actuating member148 in position and preventing the piston rod 146 and piston 125 fromrotating within the cylinder 124.

. Located just above the pin 149 and in the path of said pin as it movesupwardly is a plunger 151 which is mounted to slide in a bearing member152 fastened to a side member 22 of the frame 20. The plunger 151 islocated at such an angle to the axial line of the piston rod 146 that asthe pin 149 moves upwardly, it will push the plunger 151 upwardly andthen pass out of contact with said plunger. Theplunger 151 has aplurality of rack teeth 153 formed thereon which mesh with a pinion 154rigidly fastened to the shaft 74. A pin 1,55 projects laterally from theperiphery of the plunger 151 and as the latter moves upwardly, said pinis .engaged by a latch 156, see Fig. 8, which acts to hold the plungerin its uppermost positionafter the push pin 149 has moved out ofengagement with the lower extremity of the plunger. A spring 157 acts tohold the latch 156 in engagement with the pin 155. A link 158 isconnected at its lower end to the latch 156 and at its upper end saidlink is pivotally connected with a release member 159, in

turn pivotally attached at 160 to the bearing member 152.

During the. latter part of the upward movement of the piston 125 the pin149 of the actuating member 148 will engage the under edge of therelease member 159 and will lift the link 158 a sullicient amount torelease the latch 156 from the pin 155, whereupon a spring 161 locatedwithin the casing 152 and contacting with the upper extremity oftheplunger 151 will force the latter downwardly to its normal position. Theupward movement of the plunger 151 will cause the valve mechanism B toadmit the pressure fluid to the pressing units 30 and 31 simultaneously,and the downward movement of said plunger will shut off said pressurefluid from said pressing units and exhaust the Huid from the fluidcompartments 36 and 41.

Located above the timing cylinder 124 and in alignment with thepiston'125 and piston rod 146 is a plunger 162 which is slidably mountedwithin a casing 163 of the locking mechanism L. The plunger 162 isnormally held in the position illustrated in Fig. 7 by means of a spring164.' Rack teeth 165 are provided upon the plunger 162 and said teethmesh with a pinion 166 which is rigidly fastened to the shaft for thevalves C and D. A bolt 167 is slidably mounted within the casing 163 andsaid bolt is adapted to interlock with a shouldered portion 168 formedupon the plunger 162 when the latter is located in its raised positionwhere it is driven by being engaged by the upper extremity of theactuating member 148. At this time the pressure fluid admitted to thefront part of the casing 163 through the pipe 76 forces the bolt 167toward the right in Fig. 7 and beneath the shouldered portion 168 of theplunger 162, and said bolt will hold said plunger in its raised positionuntil the pressure fluid is exhausted from the casing 163, at which timethe spring 167 surrounding said bolt will move the latter toward theleft, Fig. 7, out of engagement with the shoulder 168 of the plunger162, whereupon the spring 164 will again force the plunger 162downwardly to its normal position. A cap 170 provided for the frontportion of the casing163 has a tapered portion projecting inwardlytherefrom and providing a stop to limit the movement of the f bolt 167toward the left in Fig. 7 and prevent a head portion of said bolt fromobstructing the passage of the pressure fluid into the casing 163.

The upward movement of the plunger 162 will operate the valves C and Dto admit pressure fluid to the rear end of the cylinder 51 and at thesame time exhaust the fluid from the front end of said cylinder, whilethe downward movement of the plunger 162 admits the pressure fluid tothe front end of the cylinder 51, and at the same time exhausts thepressure fluid from the rear end of said cylinder.

A bumper 171 is provided upon the main stationary frame 20 for thepurpose of preventing the rocker frame 24 from vibrating unnecessarilywhen the latter is brought to a. vertical position. A

-The general operation of the machine hereinbefore specificallydescribed is as follows Assuming that the upper and lower pressing units30 and 31 respectively are located in their normal or open positions asillustrated in Fig. 1 and that the last holder 58 is located in itsraised position also as illustrated in Fig. 1, the operator of themachine places a last 57 having the portions of a shoe S looselyassembled thereon upon the last holder which is then rocked downwardlyinto the lower casing section 37 as illustrated in Fig. 4. At this timethe lower pressing member or diaphragm 39 is sagging loosely within thecasing section 37 as is also the upper pressing member or diaphragm 34in the upper casing section 32.

In rocking the last holder 58 downwardly, the shaft 59 of the valvemechanism A is rotated, causing the cam c to operate its lever e to openthe check valve a, and causing the ycam d to operate its lever e toclose the check valve b. The pressure fluid is now permitted to passfrom the tube 71, through the check valve a into the pipe 7 6 and fromthence into the casing 163 of the locking mechanism L behind the slidingbolt 167 which, however, at this time is prevented from moving by reasonof the fact that its forward. end is contacting with the head of theplungerY 162. At this time the pressure fluid will pass through thecasing 163 of the llocking mechanism L, passing through the pipe 7 8 tothe valve 103 of the control Valve mechanism M. rlhe check valve 103,however, at this time is closed so that the pressure Huid cannot passthrough said valve. At this time, however, the pressure 'fluid can passfrom the pipe 78 through the branch pipe 118 to the check valve 105 ofthe control valve mechanism M and as the check valve 105 is open, thefluid will pass through the pipes 119 and 121 to the cylinder 124 of thetiming mechanism '1 above the piston 125 therein, causing the latter tobe held in its lowermost position. At the same time also the pressurefluid will pass from the pipe Z6 through the pipe 79 to the check valveaof the valve mechanism C, which, at this time, is permitted to open` byreason of the fact that the cam c is in engagement with the cam roll fof the lever e. The check valve a of the valve mechanism C being open7the pressure fluid will pass through said check valve outwardly throughthe pipe 80 to the front end of the pressure cylinder 51 which it entersthrough the needle valve 81, and the piston 50 within the cylinder 51will be moved to rock the frame 24 and lower pressing unit 31 from theinclined position illustrated in Fig. 1 to a vertical position. Duringthis rocking movement of the rocker frame 24 upon which the lowerpressing unit 31 is mounted, the toggle links 45 and 46 will beprevented from functioning to raise the lower pressing unit on accountof the weight of the latter and by reason of the fact that the guideportions of the support 42 are in engagement with the under surface ofthe guide plates 54 which prevent the toggle links from straighteningout. When, however, the rocker frame 24 reaches a vertical position, theupper bearing member 29 engages the bumper 171 thereby bringing therocker frame to a stop and the guide portions 55 of the support 42 willbe located in alignment with the guideway 56 of the plate 54 and thetogglelinks are caused to straighten out and liftthe lower pressino`unit 31, closing the same and locking it tightly against the upperpressing unit 30. When the check valve a, of the Valve mechanism C isopen, thecheck valve brthereof is closed, and at the same .time thecheck valve a of the valve mechanism D is closed and the check valve bof the valve mechanism D is open.

When the piston 50 reaches the forward end of its stroke, it willContact with the extremity of the rod 94 of the control valve mechanismM, moving said rod within the casing 93 against the tension of thespring 99 and moving all of the parts of the control valve mechanisminto the positions illustrated in Figs. 16 and 17. rlhe check `valves103 and 104 are now operated simultaneously, the

former to permit the pressure Huid to pass therefrom through the pipes112 and 114 to the cylinder 124 of the timing mechanism T beneath thepiston 125 therein, causing the latter to rise and permitting thepressure fluid within the cylinder 124 above the piston 125 to exhaustthrough the pipes 121, 122 and exhaust port 123. At the time that thecheck valves 103 and 104 are open, the check valves 105 and 106 areclosed.

As the piston 125 of the timing mechanism T starts upwardly, it carrieswith it the piston rod 126 having at its lower end the collar 129 whichis located within the lost motion member 128, and the collar 129 beingloose within the member 128, the piston 125 will rise quickly until theupper endof the collar 129 engages the inner under side of the member128, whereupon both the piston 126 and member 128 will move upwardly inunison carrying the pistoni'od 133 and piston 134 of the retardingmechanism R therewith.

l-Vith the first part of the upward movement of the piston 125, the pin149 of the actuating member 148 will engage the lower extremity of theplunger 151 pushing the latter upwardly against the tension of thespring 161 and rotating the shaft 74 of the valve mechanism B throughthe rack 153 and pinion 154. Up to this time the check valve a of thevalve mechanism B had been closed, so that the pressure fluid providedfor the fluid compartments 36 and 41 of the upper and lower pressingunits 30 and 31 respectively has been prevented from reaching saidcompartments. The shaft 74 now being rotated,` the check valve a of thevalve mechanism B is opened and the pressure iuid will pass from thepipe 73 through the check valve a and from thence through the pipe 87, T88 and pipes 89 and 90 to the fluid compartments of both pressing units,causing the pressing members or diaphragms 34 and 39 of the pressingunits to expand and be forced tightly against the relatively loose parts'comprising the' shoe S, causing said parts to ad here tightly together.

As the spring pin 149 pushes the plunger 151 upwardly and finally passesout of contact with the lower extremity of said plunger, the latch 156will engage the pin 155 which projects laterally from the plunger 151and said latch will act to hold the plunger 151 in its uppermostposition until the pin 149 reaches the under surface of the releasemember 159, whereupon the latter will be rocked upwardly, lifting thelatch 156 from engagement with the pin 155, whereupon the spring 161will function to again move the plunger 151 downwardly. During thisdownward movement of the plunger 151, the shaft 74 of the valvemechanism B will be rotated, causing the check valve a thereof to beclosed, and at the same time causing the check valve thereof to open,thereby permitting the air within the upper and lower Huid compartmentsof the pressing units to exhaust through the exhaust port As the piston125 moves upwardly under the action of the pressure fluid within thecylinder 124C, the upward action of the piston will be retarded by meansof a iiuid, preferably oil, which is located within the interior'of thecylinder 135 of the retarding mechanism R, said oil being forced by thepiston 134e from the interior of the cylinder 135 through the needlevalve 139 and pipe 1110 back into the cylinder 135 beneath the piston134. The retarding action of the oil will take place until after thevalve mechanism B is operated to shut orf the passage of pressure Huidto the lluid compartments 36 and Zl1 ot the pressing units and may beregulated by adjusting the needle valve 139. After the pressure fluidhas been exhausted from the compartments 36 and 11, the shoulderedportion 1415 of the piston rod 133 'will contact with the sphericalmember 142 of the by-pass valve 1111, opening the latter and permittinga portion or' the retarding duid within the cylinder 135 to pass throughthe valve 141 into the pipe 140 Where it will unite with the pressurefluid that has passed through the needle valve 139 and return to thecylinder 135 beneath the piston 134,-. This action of the b -pass valve141 will accelerate the action of t e piston 134 during the latter partof yits upward stroke and will, there4 tore, speed up the remainder ofthe operation of the machine. i

During the latter part of the upward movement of the piston 125, theupper extremity of the piston rod 146 Will contact 1with the lowerextremity oi: the plunger 162 moving the latter upwardly against thetension or the spring 164 until the shoulder 168 of said plunger passesabove the forward extremity of the bolt 167 which, induenced by thepressure of the duid at its other extremity, will be moved forwardlyagainst the tension of the spring 169 and will hold the plunger 162 inits uppermost position. During the upward movement of the plunger 162,the shaft 65 oit the valve mechanisms C and D `will be rotated, closingthe check valve a of the valve mechanism C and opening the checlr valveh ther-eet, and exhausting the pressure fluid trom the front of thepiston 50 through the exhaust port At the same time the checlr valve aof the valve mechanism D will be open, permitting the pressure duid topass therethrough and through the pipe 8d to the rear end of thecylinder 51 which it enters through the needle valve 85. At the same thecheck valve of the valve mechanism l) Will be closed.

As soon as the piston 51 starts moving away from the rod 911, the latterwill be operated by means of the spring 99 to reverse the positions ofall of the check valves comprising the control valve mechanism M fromthat illustrated in Figs. 16 and,17. At this time the pressure duid willbe admitted to the cylinder 124 above the piston' 125 through the pipes78, 118, 119 and 121, and at t-he same time the pressure fluid isexhausted beneath said piston through the pipes 114 and 115 and exhaustport 116.

After 4the piston 125 descends,the piston 134 will descend and the oilthercbcneath will pass upwardly through the check valve 137 Within thepiston 134i and through the oil ducts 138 into the cylinder 135 abovesaid piston. By this time the rocker frame 2st has been moved to itsnormal or open position as illustrated in F i 1 and the operator thengrasps the last hol er 58 and rocks the same from its closed to its openor normal positie-n and when so doing rocks the shaft 59, therebyclosing the check valve a oit the valve mechanism A and opening thecheck valve l) ot' said valve mechanism. When the check valve aclcsesAhe main supply ot pressure fluid is prevented from entering thevalve mechanism A and the pressure Huid that has ofi been located withinthe pipes 76, 78, 79 and.

83 is exhausted through the exhaust port y'.

As soon as the pressure duid has been exhausted from the casing 163 ofthe locking mechanism L, the bolt 167 is moved out of engagement withthe plunger 162 by means ot thespring 169, and the spring 161 Will moveVthe plunger 162 downwardly rocking the shaft 75 and causing thevariouspcheck valves of the valve mechanisms C and D back to theirnormal or starting position. rlhe last with thecomplefely pressed shoethereon 'is then removed from the last holder 58 andv the machine isthen ready for operating upon another shoe.

W e claim:

1. A pressing machine of the character described having, incombination', a pressure chamber, Hexible pressing members locatedWithin said chamber, means to support an article to be pressed Withinthe chamber between said pressing members, iiuid pressure means toexpand the pressing inembersf.`

against the article, and fluid means to time the interval during lwhichthe article is subjected to pressure bv the pressing members.

2. A pressing machine ot the character described having, in combination,a pressure chamber, flexible pressing members located Within saidclfian'iber` means to support an article to be pressed Within thechamber between said pressing members, means to force the` pressingmembers against the article, tluid means to time the interval duringwhich the article is subjected to pressure by the pressing members, andmeans to regulate the action of the timing means.

3. A pressing machine of the character de scribed having, incombination, a pressure chamber, lexiblepressing members located Withinsaid chamber, means to support an article to be pressed Within thechamber between said pressing members, fluid pressure means to expandthe pressing members against the article, fluid means to time theinterval during which the article is subjected to pressure by thepressing members, and valvular means to regulate the action of the fluidtiming means.

4. A pressing machine of the character described having, in combination,a stationary pressing unit, a movable pressing unit, a holder for a lastmounted upon one of said pressing units and adapted to position a shoetherein, and means actuated by the movement ot the last holder inpositioning the shoe within the pressing unit to yautol'natically closethe pressing units and supply a pressure fiuid thereto.

5. A pressing machine of the character described having, in combination,astationary pressing unit, a movable pressing unit, a holder for a lastmounted upon said movable pressing unit and adapted to position a shoetherein, and means actuated by the movement ot' the last holder inpositioning the shoe Within the movable pressing unit to automaticallyclose the latter agalnst the stationary pressingv unit and supply apressure iiuid to both of said pressing units.

6. A pressing machine of the character described having, in combination,a stationary pressing unit embodying therein an expandible diaphragm, amovable pressing unit embodying therein 'an expandible diaphragm, aholder for a last mounted upon said movable pressing unit and adapted toposition a shoe relatively to the diaphragm thereof and means actuatedby the movement of the last holder in positioning the shoe toautomatically close the pressing units `one upon the other and apply apressure fluid thereto to expand the diaphragms thereof against theshoe.

7. A pressing machine of the character described having, in combination,a stationary pressing unit embodying therein an expandible diaphragm, amovable pressing unit embodying therein an expandible diaphragm, aholder for a last pivotally mounted upon one of the pressing units andadapted to position a shoe therein, means to close the movable pressingunit against the stationary pressing unit, means to regula-te the speedot the closing means, and means to expand the diaphragms against theshoe.

8. A pressing machine of the character de scribed having, incombination, a stationary pressing unit embodying therein an expandiblediaphragm, a movable pressing unit embodying therein an expandiblediaphragm, a holder for a last pivotally mounted upon one of thepressing units and adapted to position a shoe therein, means to closethe movable pressing unit against the stationary pressing unit,

means to regulate the speed of the closing means, means to expand thediaphragms against the shoe, and means to time the interval during whichthe shoe is subjected to pressure.

9. A pressing machine of the character described having, in combination,a stationary pressing unit embodying therein an expandible diaphragm, amovable pressing unit embodying therein an expandible diaphragm, aholder for a last pivotally mounted upon one of the pressing units andadapted to position a shoe therein, means to close the movable pressingunit against the stationary pressing unit, valvular means to regulatethe action ot' the closing means, fluid means to expand the diaphragmsagainst the shoe,means totimethe interval during which the shoe issubjected to pressure, and valvular means to regulate the action of thetiming means.

y 10. A pressing machine'ot the character described having, incombination, a stationary pressing unit embodying therein an expandiblediaphragm, a movable pressing unit embodying therein an expandiblediaphragm, a holder .t'or a last pivotally mounted upon one of thepressing units and adapted to position a shoe therein, tluid pressuremeans to close the pressing units one against the other, duid means totime the action of the closing means, and Huid means to expand thediaphragms against the shoe.

l1. A pressing machine of the character described, having, incombination, a stationary pressing unit embodying therein an errpandiblediaphragm, a movable pressing unit embodying therein an expandiblediaphragm, a holder for a last pivotally mounted upon one of thepressing units and adapted to position a shoe therein, fluid pressuremeans to close the pressing units one against the other, fluid means totime the action of the closing means, fluid means to expand thediaphragms against the shoe, and fluid means to time the interval duringWhich the article is subjected to pressure by the diaphragms.

12. A pressing machine of the character described having, incombination, a stationary pressing unit embodying therein an expandiblediaphragm, a movable pressing unit embodying therein an expandiblediaphragm, a holder for a last pivotally mounted upon one of thepressing units and adapted to position a shoe therein, Huid pressuremeans to close the pressing units one against the other and also lockthe pressing units in their closed position, means to time the action ofthe closing means, and Huid means toexpand the diaphragms against theshoe.

13. A pressing machine of the character described having, 1ncombination, a main diframe, a stationary pressing unit upon said frame,a rocker frame, a toggle mechanism upon said rocker frame, a movablepressing unit supported upon said toggle mechanism and slidnvaaeea ableupon the rocker frame, a holder for a last pivotally mounted upn one ofthe pressing units, and means operatively connected to the togglemechanism and actuated by the movement of the last holder to positionthe shoe for the pressing operation, to automatically close the movablepressing unit against the stationary pressing unit and supply a pressureHuid toboth of the pressing units.

la. A pressing machine of the character described having, incombination, a main frame, a stationary pressing unit upon said frame, arocker frame, a toggle mechanism upon said rocker frame, a movablepressing unit supe ported upon said toggle mechanism and slid able uponthe rocker frame, a holder or a last pivotally mounted upon the movablepressing unit, and means operatively connect ed to the toggle mechanismand actuated by the movement of the last holder in positioning the shoewithin the movable pressing unit to automatically close the latteragaints the stationary pressing unit and supply a pressure fluid to bothof the pressing units.

l5. A pressing machine of the character described having, incombination, a main trame,

a stationary pressing unit upon said trame, a-

means connected to the toggle mechanism and actuated automatically bythe movement ot the last holder in positioning the shoe within themovable pressing unit to close the latter and supply a pressure :Fluidto both otl the pressure units.

16. A pressing machine of the character described having, incombination, a main trame, a stationary pressing unit upon said Jframe,a. rocker frame, a toggle mechanism upon said rocker frame, a movablepressing unit supported upon said toggle mechanism and slid able uponthe rocker frame, a holder tor a last pivotally mounted upon the movablepressing unit, a cylinder, a piston within said cylinder operativelyconnected to the toggle mechanism, and means to admit a pressure luid tothe cylinder whereby the piston is acf tuated to close the pressingunits one against the other and supply a pressure fluid thereto.

17. A pressing machine of the character described having, incombination, a main frame, a stationary pressing unit upon said frame, arocker frame, a toggle mechanism upon said rocker frame, a movablepressing unit supported upon said toggle mechanism and slidable upon therocker frame, a holder for a last pivotally mounted upon the movablepressing unit, a cylinder, a piston within said cylinder operativelyconnected to the toggle mechanism, means to admit a pressure fluid tothe cylinder whereby the piston is actuated to close the pressing unitsone upon the other, to also lock the pressing units in their closedpositions and finally supply a pressure fluid thereto.

18. A pressing machine of the character described having, incombination, a main frame, a stationary pressing unit upon said frame, arocker frame, a toggle mechanism upon said rocker frame, a movablepressing unit supported upon said toggle mechanism and slidable upon therocker frame, a holder for a last pivotally mounted upon the movablepressing unit, a cylinder, a piston within said cylinder operativelyconnected to the toggle mechanism', means to admit a pressure fluid tothe cylinder whereby the piston is actuated to close the pressing unitsone upon the other, to also lock the pressing units in their closedpositions and iinally supply a pressure duid thereto, and valvular meansto regulate the speed ot the piston.,

19. A pressing machine of the character described having, incombination, a main trame, a stationary pressing unit upon said trame, arocker `trame, a toggle mechanism upon said rocker frame, a movablepressing unit supported upon said toggle mechanism and slidable upon therocker' Jtrame, a holder tor a last plvotally mounted upon the movablepressing unit, a cylinder, a piston within said cylinder operativelyconnected to the toggle mechanism, means to admit a pressure -uid to thecylinder whereby the piston is actuated to close the pressing units oneupon the other and to also loclr the pressing units in their closedpositions, and means controlled by the movement ot the piston to admit apressure fluid to the pressing units.

20. A pressing machine ot the character described having, incombination, a main frame, a stationary pressing unit upon s a1d frame,a rocker trame, a toggle mechanism upon said rocker trame, a movablepressing unit supported upon said toggle mechanism and slidable upon therocker frame, a holder for a last pivotally mounted upon the moyablepressing unit, a cylinder, a piston within lll@ lila

said cylinder operatively connected to the i,

toggle mechanism, and valvular means actuated by the movement of thelast holder to admit a pressureuid to the cylinder whereby the pistontherein is actuated to close the pressing units one ,against the otherand sup-I ply a pressure fluid thereto.

2l. A pressing machine of the character described having, incombination, a main frame, a stationary pressing unit upon sind frame, arocker frame, a toggle mechanism upon said rocker frame, a. movablepressing unit supported upon said toggle mechanism and slidable upontherocker frame, a holder for a last pivotally mounted upon the moyablepressing unit, a cylinder, a piston within said cylinder operatlvelyconnected to the toggle mechanismymeans to admit a pressure fluid to thecylinder whereby the piston is actuated to close the pressing units oneagainst the other and supply a pressure Huid thereto, and means toregulate the action of the closing means.

22. A pressing machine of the character described having, incombination, a main frame, a stationary -pressing unit upon said frame,a rocker frame, a toggle mechanism upon said rocker frame, a movablepressing unit supported upon said toggle mechanism and slidable upon therocker frame, a holder :for a last pivotally mounted upon the movablepressing unit, a cylinder, a piston within said cylinder operativelyconnected tothe toggle mechanism, means to admit a pressure fluid to thecylinder whereby the piston is actuated to close the pressing units oneagainst the other and supply a pressure fluid thereto, and valvularmeans to regulate the flow of fluid to the cylinder whereby the speed ofthe closing means is varied.

23. A pressing machine of the character described having, incombination, a' main frame, a stationary pressing unit upon said frame,a rockerI frame, a toggle mechanism upon said rocker frame, a movablepressing unit supported upon said toggle mechanism and slidable upon therocker frame, a hol-der for a last pivotally mounted upon the movablepressing unit, a cylinder, a piston within said cylinder operativelyconnected to the toggle mechanism, means to admit a pressure fluid tothe cylinder whereby the piston is actuated to close the pressing unitsone against the other and supply a pressure fluid thereto, and meansto'time the interval during which the shoe is subjected to pressure.

24. A pressing machine of the character described having, incombination, a main frame, a stationary pressing unit upon said frame, arockerirame, a toggle mechanism upon said rocker frame, a movablepressing unit supportedl upon said toggle mechanism and'slidable upontherocker frame,a holder for a last pivotally mounted upon the movablepressing u nit, la cylinder, a piston within said cylinder operativelyconnected to the toggle mechanism, means to admit a pressure Huid tothecylinder whereby the piston is actuated toclos'e the pressing units one'against the other, and means actuated by the movement of the piston inclosing the pressing units to admit a pressure liuid to the latter topress a shoe.

25; A pressing machine of the character described having, incombination," a main frame, a stationary pressing unit upon Said frame,a rocker frame, a toggle mechanism upon said rocker frame, a movablepressing unit supported upon said toggle mechanism and slidable upon therocker frame, a holder for a last pivotally mounted upon the movablepressing unit, a cylinder, a piston within said cylinder operativelyconnected to the toggleA mechanism, means to admit a pressure fluid tothe cylinder whereby the piston is actuated to close the pressing unitsone against the other and supply a pressure iuid thereto, fluid means totime the interval during which the shoe is subjected to pressure, andvalvular means to regulate the action of the fluid timing means.

26. A pressing machine of the character described having, incombination, a main frame, a stationary pressing unit upon said frame, arocker frame, a toggle mechanism upon said rocker frame, a movablepressing unit supported upon said toggle mechanism and slidable upon therocker frame, a holder for a last pivotally mounted upon the movablepressing unit, a cylinder, a piston within said cylinder operativelyconnected to the toggle mechanism, means to admita pressure fluid to thecylinder whereby the piston is actuated to close the pressing units oneagainst the other and supply a pressure fluid thereto, a timingcylinder, a piston within said timing cylinder, means controlled by themovement of the firstmentioned piston to admit a pressure fluid to thetiming cylinder to actuate the piston therein, and means to retard themovement o said last-named piston.

27. A pressing machine of the character described having, inCombination, a main lrame, a stationarygpressing unit upon said frame, arocker frame, a toggle mechanism upon said rocker frame, a movablepressing unit supported upon said toggle mechanism and slidable upon therocker frame, a holder lfor a last pivotally mounted upon the movablepressing unit, a cylinder, a piston within said cylinder operativelyconnected to the toggle mechanism, means to admit a pressure fluid tothe cylinder whereby the piston is actuated to close the pressing unitsone against the other and supply a pressure fluid thereto, a timingcylinder, a piston within said timing cylinder, means controlled by themovement 'of the'irst-mentioned piston to admit a pressure uid to thetiming cylinder.

to actuate'the piston therein, linid'means to Iretard the movement ofsaid last-named piston,"and valvular means to control the fiow of saidlast-named :duid means thereby timing the interval during which the shoeis subjected to pressure.

28. A pressing' machine of the character described having, incombination, a main frame, a stationary pressing unit upon said frame, arocker frame, a` toggle mechanism upon said rocker frame, a movablepressing unit supported upon said toggle mechanism and slidable upon therocker lframe, a holder for a last pivotally mounted upon the movablepressing unit, a cvlinder, a piston within said cylinder operativelyconnected to `the toggle mechanism, means to admit a pressure fluid tothe cylinder whereby the piston is actuated lto close the pressing unitsone ton,` valvular means to control the ow of said last-named fluidmeans thereby timing the interval during which the shoe is subjected topressure, and valvular means actuated by the movement of saidlast-mentioned piston to exhaust the pressure fluid from the pressingunits.

In testimony Whereoil We have hereunto set our hands.

JOSEPH E. PERRAULT. LOUIS J. SCHROEDER.

